I happened to be buying gas at Fun City in Spencer on Friday morning when manager Jessica Van Etten told me some good news. Fun City is ending its contract with its independent supplier of gasoline because the price was usually 15 cents more expensive than any other gas in the area.

With that great a price discrepancy, the gasoline sales were obviously not flourishing. Being sensible, the owner decided to make some changes. Fun City will soon be getting their gas from Sunoco, which will put up new signage and spruce up the exterior faces of the pumps. That is very welcome news. This change is a few weeks away, but is definitely coming.

Another change that starts this week - the convenience store part of the business will become an Express Mart.

On March 13, in preparation for this changeover, Fun City started to sell off its current grocery inventory at a Buy One/Get One 50 percent off. Cooler items are included in the sale, with the exception of Coke and Pepsi beverages.

The coffee business will remain the same, however. “The customers love our coffee,” said Jessica Van Etten, Fun City manager. That is definitely true. As we talked, the clock crept to 5:45 a.m. and a steady stream of people lined up, sleepy-eyed, to get their morning joe.

Village elections

We have village elections coming up Tuesday, March 21 in both Van Etten and Spencer. Polls are open from noon to 9 p.m. In Van Etten, polls are at the Village Center.

The mayor’s position is up and incumbent Roger (Jake) Briggs is seeking re-election. Two trustee positions are open, each for a two-year term. Incumbent Trustee Brian Belanger, Sr. turned in a petition, as did newcomer, David Snyder. There is also a one-year trustee position open.

When Becky Hollenback left, the board appointed Barb Lawrence to take her seat. Lawrence did not turn in a petition and neither did anyone else, so this one-year seat will be filled by a write-in candidate. Village Clerk Shirley Klose did not send me any names of announced write-in candidates, so if there is someone running, I haven’t heard.

The election in Spencer is at the Municipal Building and is a little less complex. There are three candidates running for two seats. Trustee Gil Knapp’s two-year term is up and the two-year term of Erika Brown, who resigned a few months ago, is also open. Knapp Is running again, as is former Village Trustee, Nicole O’Connell-Avery. Newcomer to the race is Christopher Miller.

Wearing red

The third Wednesday of the month you may see a lot of red on various people. Lisa Gould, a Pre-k 3 teacher in Van Etten, has encouraged everyone who appreciates public education to show their support by wearing red on the third Wednesday of each month.

These members of the staff of the Van Etten Elementary School were wearing red on the third Wednesday of February to show their support for public education. Anyone who wants to express support for the work that public schools do is encouraged to join them on the third Wednesday of every month.(Photo: Matt Stroup / Provided)

There is one thing in a small town that draws people together, and that is the public school. It is often the hub of the community for activities and certainly is a primary focus for the families with someone attending. Some of the most ardent supporters of public schools include the teaching staff, because they see every day the good that a public school can accomplish in a student’s life, and not just academically. For some children, school may be the one safe place a student experiences routine, structure, and two good meals.

Empty Bowls

Tuesday, March 14 was to have been a busy day at the high school, with an Empty Bowls luncheon and Transportation Vote, in separate lobbies.

But given dire snowstorm predictions on Monday, the SVE Key Club decided to postpone its Empty Bowls luncheon fundraiser until Thursday, March 16, same time and place – SVE High School gym lobby, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The lunch offers a dozen or so different, delicious soups to try, good bread, and a yummy dessert for a donation of $7.

Please support our students and the SVE Food Cupboard on this new day! The staff does a good job of clearing the parking lot and sidewalks, so there should be good traction underfoot. If needed, a student can go out to assist anyone hesitating about walking in unaccompanied. Call the school office at 589-7140 to arrange for that service.

All the proceeds go to the SVE Community Food Cupboard. Lots of people come to this, so it’s fun to visit with others while you eat. For more information or to make a reservation, call the high school main office at 589-7140. If you decide to come at the last minute, that’s OK, too. There is always plenty of soup!

The Transportation Vote has also been rescheduled, due to the weather.

Superintendent Joe Morgan had to consult the school’s attorney to sort out the legalities of a postponed public referendum. It might be rescheduled at the same time as the May school board/budget vote, as it takes 45 days to advertise it before a new vote can be held.

Voters will be asked to approve purchase of three 72-passenger school buses and two 7-passenger suburban buses.

Total estimated cost for the five vehicles is $435,000, reduced by 90 percent state aid. Four vehicles will be traded in and quotes for these total $57,000, another reduction. According to the school informational mailing, Transportation Supervisor John Horvath said that all of the current buses are under warranty, which has reduced the amount the district must spend on parts.

The current schedule of replacing older buses at five to seven years old, when trade-in values are still good, has resulted in a “minimal” burden to the taxpayer and increased safety for student riders.

The Community Lenten Worship service this week will be at the Spencer Federated Church on Wednesday, March 15, at noon. Next week’s service moves to evening hours. The March 22 service will be at the Halsey Valley Methodist Church at 7 p.m.

Two members of the planning committee for the upcoming community concert on March 31 to benefit the SVE Children’s Fund are Jackie Mouillesseaux-Grube and Mike Toyryla, Jr. Mike broke his neck in an accident and Jackie’s husband Brian was felled by a mystery disease that is so rare it took years to diagnose. Both of their families experienced the outpouring of love and concern of this generous community.

They wanted to give back because they appreciated the support SVE gave to them. Tijuana Danger Dogs will perform at 7 p.m. on March 31 in the SVE High School Spear Auditorium. Tickets are on sale at all SVE schools and at the door that night.